Hello,
In an attempt to get an holistic view of the different purposes of a author in an RC passage, here are my learnings. Hope it helps others as well.
1. Informing/ExplainingWhat does the author do?- Presents facts, data, and background information clearly.
- Breaks down complex concepts into simple, understandable terms.
- Answers "what," "how," or "why" questions without bias.
- Uses definitions, descriptions, examples, and explanations to help the reader understand.
Example:"Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells and is essential for life on Earth."What the author is doing: Explaining how a process works with clear facts and straightforward language.
2. Analyzing/EvaluatingWhat does the author do?- Examines information, ideas, or arguments in detail.
- Breaks a topic into parts and investigates relationships or causes.
- Weighs evidence and considers strengths, weaknesses, or implications.
- Makes judgments about the validity, reliability, or significance of the subject.
Example:"While remote work has increased employee satisfaction according to several surveys, it also presents challenges. For instance, communication can become less efficient, and team cohesion may suffer. By weighing these pros and cons, we see that remote work is beneficial in some scenarios but not universally optimal for all organizations."What the author is doing: Breaking down the topic, looking at different aspects, and making a judgment based on the evidence.
3. Persuading/AdvocatingWhat does the author do?- Takes a clear stance on an issue and aims to influence the reader’s opinion or actions.
- Presents arguments and supports them with evidence or reasoning.
- Appeals to logic, emotions, or credibility to convince the reader.
- Anticipates and addresses counterarguments.
Example:"Given the clear evidence on the environmental impact of single-use plastics, it is imperative for governments to ban plastic bags. Not only do these bans reduce pollution, but they also encourage more sustainable habits among consumers. We must act now to protect our planet for future generations."What the author is doing: Taking a stance, using evidence and emotion, and calling the reader to agree or take action.
4. Comparing/ContrastingWhat does the author do?- Identifies similarities and/or differences between two or more subjects.
- Organizes information side-by-side or by key points.
- Highlights advantages, disadvantages, or unique features of each subject.
- Helps the reader see relationships and make informed decisions based on comparison.
Example:"While e-books offer convenience and portability, physical books provide a tactile experience that many readers cherish. E-books can store thousands of titles, but physical books do not require batteries or electronic devices. Ultimately, the choice depends on the reader's priorities: convenience or sensory enjoyment."What the author is doing: Showing similarities and differences, and helping the reader see both sides to make a choice.